Apr 29, 2016 4 min read

PITTSBURGH – After getting a cornerback in the opening round with the selection of Artie Burns from Miami, the Steelers doubled down on secondary help.

In the second round, the Steelers selected safety Sean Davis of Maryland, a big, physical defensive back who was a three-year starter at both safety and corner for the Terrapins. They then addressed a third need in the third round, grabbing nose tackle Javon Hargrave of South Carolina State.

“I’m very happy,” said defensive backs coach Carnell Lake, who will be tasked with working with Burns and Davis.

“It’s an exciting time for me. It’s an exciting time for the Steelers to add more weapons to our defensive backfield, and we got some good ones.”

Davis, who made two starts at safety as a freshman, became a regular starter there in his sophomore and junior seasons. He recorded 103 and 115 tackles while also intercepting two passes.

He really took off as a senior last year when Maryland moved him to cornerback to help solidify its defense. He had 88 tackles and three interceptions to go along with five forced fumbles, the second-most for a Maryland player regardless of position.

The Steelers will put Davis at strong safety, where they played both Will Allen and Robert Golden in 2015 after the retirement of Troy Polamalu following the 2014 season. Golden was re-signed in the offseason, while the 33-year-old Allen remains a free agent.

“We’re going to let him become comfortable playing safety,” said Lake, himself a former Pro Bowl safety who also played corner. “I think it’s important that we let him learn the position, learn it well. That’s where he can help us the most right now.”

The Steelers ranked 30th in pass defense last year and needed a big upgrade in their secondary. This draft marks the first time since 1987 that they selected a cornerback and safety with their first two picks. Pittsburgh took Rod Woodson with the 10th pick that year and Delton Hall in the second. The Steelers also acquired safety Thomas Everett in the fourth round of that draft, totally reworking their secondary.

Pittsburgh is in a similar situation this year. Last year’s second-round pick, cornerback Senquez Golson, did not play last season after suffering a shoulder injury in mini-camp that eventually required surgery.

Golson, Burns and Davis will be added to a group that includes veterans William Gay and Mike Mitchell along with Golden and safety Shamarko Thomas.

“That’s just a part of bringing younger players in,” said Lake. “They have to develop. You have to give them time.”

In Hargrave, the Steelers got a very productive player, albeit from a smaller school. Yet defensive line coach/assistant head coach John Mitchell was quick to point out that South Carolina State has produced three Pro Football Hall of Fame members and former Steelers’ great Donnie Shell.

“The competition level doesn’t bother me,” said Mitchell. “Here’s what people don’t understand. If you go to McDonald’s and you get the No. 1 here in Pittsburgh, and then you go to San Francisco and get the No. 1, you get the same thing. I look for the consistency. And this guy was consistent week in and week out.”

Hargrave (6-1, 309) had 59 tackles and 13.5 sacks as a senior in 2015. That capped off a career in which he had 37 sacks and an astounding 62 tackles for a loss. As a junior, he had a six-sack game against Bethune-Cookman.

The Steelers had a need for a nose tackle when starter Steve McLendon signed with the New York Jets in the offseason. Hargave will provide immediate competition for third-year player Daniel McCullers while also having the ability to fill in as a pass rusher in the nickel as well.

“I’m looking for some guys that can come in and help us so (Cam) Heyward and (Stephon) Tuitt don’t have to play 65 to 70 plays per game,” said Mitchell. “I want to find someone with McCullers in there, to where those guys can play 55 plays a game.”

Hargrave could be that guy. Despite his play at a low-level school, he was a star at the college all-star games, showing a devastating first step and the ability to beat opponents off the snap. Mitchell did note that he still needs work on his hand placement and running to the ball.

“I told (head coach) Mike Tomlin that if this guy was around in the third round or fourth round, if there was any way we could pick him, let’s take him,” Mitchell said. “I’m really happy. I think we got the best bargain getting him in the third round.”